How Much Does Dog Broken Tooth Treatment Cost?

When it comes to our furry companions, regular dental care is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Unfortunately, dogs are prone to developing dental issues like tooth decay, plaque build-up, and broken teeth.

A broken or damaged tooth is not only painful for your pup, but it can also lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. That's why pet owners must understand the available treatment options and associated costs when a dog does suffer a painful dental injury.

This article provides an overview of how to identify symptoms of a broken tooth in dogs, the veterinary treatments available, and what expenses to expect so you can make the best decisions for your pet's health and comfort.

We'll also discuss some tips for managing these sometimes costly broken tooth procedures and why preventative dental care is key to avoiding dental emergencies in our canine friends.

How Much Does Dog Broken Tooth Treatment Cost?

The costs involved in treating your dog's broken tooth range between $150 and $2,400 (≈4 weeks of salary time at $15/hour), depending on the severity of the problem, the recommended procedure, and so on, but owners should be prepared for expenses in these areas:

• Initial Veterinary Exam & Diagnostics: $100-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for the initial oral exam, dental x-rays, and treatment recommendation.
• Anesthesia: $150-$350 (≈2.9 days working without breaks at $15/hour); general anesthesia is usually required for dental surgery and extractions to immobilize the patient.
• Tooth Extraction, Root Canal, or Repair Procedure: As noted above, $300-$1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) per tooth depending on the procedure. Additional teeth needing attention may increase costs.
• Medications: Antibiotics or pain meds, $30-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job).
• Follow-Up Exams: Usually 1-3 post-procedure rechecks, may be $50-$100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per visit.

Your geographic location, veterinary clinic fees, and the dog's unique needs will further impact the total for fixing a broken tooth. However, owners can expect to spend an average of $700-$3,000+ (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) to treat a fractured tooth depending on the type of veterinary intervention pursued.

According to Heaven-4ur-pet.com, the cost of fixing broken teeth depends on the fracture type. Depending on the fractured quality it may cost from $500 to $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour).

Betterpet.com writes that the cost of fixing your dog’s chipped tooth can vary, the same as human dental work. Minor fractures and simple procedures will cost less. Dental bonding, for example, runs between $90-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) per tooth.

The website also says that an extraction will cost more, upwards of $500-$2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage). Root canals are the most complicated and expensive procedures, close to what a human would pay, $1,500-$3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for small- to medium-sized dogs, whereas a root canal in a large dog (specifically the canine tooth) can cost much more.

A Reddit.com discussion mentions that the cost of dental work can be very expensive. A root canal, crown lengthening procedure, and titanium crown were close to $8K (but that did include three appointments, full x-rays, and a full cleaning while she was under).

Betterpet.com notes that a simple, non-emergency extraction during a routine cleaning might be on the lower end of the $500-$2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage) cost range. However, if your dog has a significant dental disease or needs a more complicated extraction, the cost can be much higher.

For example, a root canal in a large dog (specifically the canine tooth) can cost much more.

Identifying a Broken Tooth in Dogs

The first step in treating a broken tooth is identifying the problem in the first place. Some common signs your dog may have a fractured or damaged tooth include:

• Yelping or whining when eating or chewing
• Reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys
• Drooling more than usual
• Facial swelling or jaw tenderness
• Tooth discoloration
• Chipped or broken tooth enamel visible upon inspection

Some dogs become withdrawn or aggressive when experiencing dental pain. Any abnormal behaviors in your pet, especially around their mouth, warrant a prompt oral exam by your veterinarian.

They can perform a full dental assessment and may order dental X-rays to diagnose the damage and determine the best course of treatment. Don't delay - addressing a broken tooth quickly minimizes pain and prevents infection!

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

There are a few approaches your vet may recommend to treat a broken tooth depending on factors like cost, the extent of damage, your dog's age, and overall health. Common treatments include:

Tooth Extraction

Completely removing the damaged tooth may be necessary if the pulp is exposed, the tooth is split below gum level, or there is severe infection. Tooth extractions range from $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)-600 per tooth depending on difficulty to extract.

Root Canal

If the pulp is not yet exposed, a root canal could save the tooth. It involves deep cleaning and filling the tooth's interior to remove diseased pulp and prevent infection. Expect to pay $800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary)-1,500 per tooth for root canals.

You might also like our articles about the cost of surgeries like debarking, C-Section, or Entropion surgery for your dog.

Tooth Repair

Minor chips and fractures can sometimes be repaired via dental bonding, crowns, or caps placed on the damaged tooth. These repairs average $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour)-1,000 per tooth.

Your vet will help you decide if extraction, root canal, or repair is most appropriate based on your dog's specific tooth fracture. Additional factors like your dog's age, dental health history, and medical risks with anesthesia will also inform the treatment plan.

Managing the Cost of Dental Care

For many pet owners, the high costs of addressing dental emergencies like broken teeth can be a major financial challenge. Here are some tips for managing these sometimes hefty veterinary bills:

• Compare rates between veterinary dental specialists vs your primary vet
• Apply for third-party financing through organizations like CareCredit
• Consider pet insurance plans that include dental coverage
• Inquire about payment plans or discounts from your vet clinic
• Discuss less expensive extraction options vs advanced treatments
• Create an emergency veterinary savings account to self-insure your pet

Preventing dental problems in the first place is your best long-term strategy for avoiding costly treatments down the road. Here are some helpful prevention tips:

• Annual professional cleanings and oral exams
• Daily tooth brushing
• Dental health dog food formula
• Hard rubber chew toys and treats
• Dental care dog treats
• Oral health dog supplements

By investing a little time and money into your dog's dental care routine now, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing painful and expensive dental issues as they age. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your furry friend's oral health.

Final Words

A broken or damaged tooth causing your dog pain is a veterinary issue demanding immediate attention. While the costs involved in extraction, root canals, or tooth repair can be daunting, leaving that dental injury untreated risks more intensive health complications down the road.

Partner with your vet to decide the ideal treatment plan based on your dog's needs and your budget. Where possible, pet insurance and preventative care are smart strategies to manage the costs of caring for your dog's teeth and overall well-being.

Talk with Your Veterinarian

If your pet is exhibiting any signs of dental discomfort or you notice damage to their teeth, schedule a veterinary oral exam right away. The longer you wait, the higher the costs and risks to your dog's health.

Together with your vet, you can get a handle on the treatment options and budget for fixing that broken tooth so your pup will soon be back to its old, happy self.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dog live with a broken tooth?

While a dog can live with a broken tooth, this is not ideal long term. A broken tooth that is left untreated is likely to become increasingly painful for your dog. It also leaves the tooth prone to infection which can spread more severely into your dog's jaw, bloodstream, and organs if not addressed promptly.

Seeking treatment for a broken tooth as soon as it happens reduces your dog's discomfort and minimizes the risk of serious complications down the road.

Can a vet fix a dog's broken tooth?

Yes, there are several options vets have for fixing a broken dog tooth. The specific treatment will depend on factors like how severely the tooth is damaged, your dog's age and overall health, and your budget.

Common treatments include tooth extraction, root canals, crowns, and dental bonding procedures to repair chipped or fractured teeth. Consulting a vet to determine the ideal tooth repair strategy is essential.

Is a broken dog tooth an emergency?

A broken or damaged dog tooth should be considered a veterinary emergency requiring prompt attention. While the tooth may not be life-threatening at first, leaving it untreated means your dog will be in significant pain.

It also raises their risk of developing dental infections which can quickly become an urgent problem. Contact your vet or emergency animal hospital as soon as you notice your dog has a broken tooth so they can be properly evaluated and treated right away.

Addressing it quickly will minimize your dog's discomfort in both the short and long term.